Screenings of 'The Interview' canceled due to online threats

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Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Canceling the interview
Sony has told theaters they do not have to show "The Interview," after threats from a group of hackers

A note that references the 9-11 terror attacks has led several theaters to cancel showings of the movie "The Interview," which portrays the assassination attempt of North Korea leader Kim Jong-un.

"We will clearly show it to you at the very time and places 'The Interview' (will) be shown, including the premier, how bitter fate those who seek fun in terror should be doomed to," the note released by the group of hackers and obtained by ABC News reads. "The world will be full of fear. Remember the 11th of September 2001."

The movie is about two Americans, played by Seth Rogen and James Franco, who score an interview with Kim Jong-un and are then asked by the American government to use their audience with the leader to assassinate him.

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Following the note, several theaters, including the nationwide chain Carmike Cinemas, have opted not to show the movie, which Sony has made an option. The New York premiere of the film was also canceled.

The Department of Homeland Security does not believe there is an active plot threatening movie-goers, according to an official in the department.

"We are still analyzing the credibility of these statements, but at this time there is no credible intelligence to indicate an active plot against movie theaters within the United States," the official said.

This comes following a string of leaked emails between leaders and executives of Sony, the production company behind the film. A group of hackers known as "Guardians of the Peace" is reportedly behind both the emails and the new threat. North Korean has not claimed any responsibility or affiliation with the leaks.

James Franco and Seth Rogen, the stars of the movie, have halted their promotional tour, according to a statement from a representative of Rogen. They told "Good Morning America" Monday that the movie was not intended to generate so much drama.

"We just wanted to make a really funny, entertaining movie," Rogen said. "It wasn't meant to be controversial in any way."

"The Interview" is scheduled to be released on Christmas Day.

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